Lemon Bars | Sweet Life Recipes by Nikki

Lemon Bars | Sweet Life Recipes by Nikki

🍋 As Seen on Sweet Life with Nikki

Episode 6: Can You Really Afford Everything? YES—And Here's How

Watch here: https://youtu.be/t-xZ8aOrpnQ

Think talking about money is bitter? Not here! In this episode of Sweet Life with Nikki, we’re in the kitchen with financial powerhouse Dr. Darla Bishop, serving up financial wisdom and something sweet: bright and buttery Gluten-Free Lemon Bars.

Made with a crumbly shortbread crust and a zesty lemon filling, these bars are proof that life’s lemons, financial or otherwise, can turn into something rich, refreshing, and rewarding.

📥 Want a printable version? Download the full PDF here.

 

🍋 Why This Recipe Works

✔ Tart + Sweet Balance – Bright lemon juice and zest cut through the richness for a refreshing finish
✔ Creamy & Smooth – The optional splash of cream gives the filling a luscious texture
✔ Gluten-Free and No One Will Know – Thanks to King Arthur’s Measure for Measure flour

đź›’ Ingredients

Shortbread Crust:

  • 2 cups King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour
  • ÂĽ cup powdered sugar
  • â…› tsp fine sea salt
  • Âľ cup cold unsalted butter, diced

Lemon Filling:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 Tbsp gluten-free flour (King Arthur)
  • 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
  • â…“ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1–2 Tbsp heavy cream (for added richness)

🧰 Key Equipment

✔ Mixing bowls – one for the crust, one for the filling
✔ Pastry cutter or fork – to cut butter into the flour
✔ 8x8 baking dish – for perfect bar thickness
✔ Whisk – to blend the lemon filling smooth
✔ Fine grater – for zesting lemons
✔ Parchment paper – makes clean-up and slicing easier

 

🍴 Pro Tips

✔ Use fresh lemon juice – bottled just won’t give the same brightness
✔ Chill before slicing – helps the bars firm up and cuts cleanly
✔ Wipe your knife between slices for crisp, bakery-worthy presentation
✔ Add a pinch of lemon zest on top for extra visual appeal

đź›’ Shopping List

Baking Aisle:

  • Gluten-free flour (King Arthur Measure for Measure)
  • Powdered sugar
  • Granulated sugar

Dairy:

  • Unsalted butter
  • Heavy cream (optional)
  • Eggs

Produce:

  • Fresh lemons

Pantry/Seasonings:

  • Fine sea salt

Equipment:

  • 8x8 baking dish
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry cutter
  • Mixing bowls
  • Zester
  • Whisk

📺 Watch the full episode to see how financial freedom and lemon bars go hand-in-hand. Because when you apply the right ingredients—in life or in baking—you really can afford everything.

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